"Hershey's Chocolate World in Shanghai is a wonderful showcase for Hershey Chocolate, Hershey culture, and its ties to Pennsylvania. Walking into the store, the sweet scent of chocolate reminds me of being back home." With a history that dates back to the early 1900's, Milton S. Hershey's legacy lives on, not only for his chocolate, but also for his respectful contributions and culture he's provided people of all ages all over the world for over 100 years. "The Chocolate World in Shanghai is just a sample of the treats and incredible experiences that await visitors to Pennsylvania", said Rowley.

Hershey chocolate is very popular across the world, but very few people are familiar with its origins. In 1894, Milton S. Hershey created a world- class chocolate factory in a small town in central Pennsylvania. This town would later be appropriately named, Hershey. Every year, Hershey attracts millions of tourists and has become a hot spot amongst American families for travel and leisure. The Hershey community has provided residents and tourists with a Hershey's chocolate museum, Hershey hotel, and of course, Hershey Park. Pennsylvania culture and history has nurtured the character of both residents and tourists. It has especially nurtured the taste for Hershey world-wide.

Pennsylvania is located in the Eastern United States and has a significant importance in United States history. Events such as the signing of the Declaration of independence in Philadelphia in 1776, and becoming the second state of the United States federal government in 1787, are just some of its history's most significant accomplishments.

Hershey is a symbol of a significant relationship between China and Pennsylvania specifically. Yesterday, on September 8th, 2009, the Philadelphia orchestra signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Expo Bureau, where Mickey Rowley, Deputy Secretary of Pennsylvania Tourism, witnessed the very important event. With the Shanghai World Expo just around the corner, it's necessary to note that Milton S. Hershey himself found success through the World Expo held in Chicago in 1892, where Hershey purchased German machinery and brought it back to Central Pennsylvania to begin making chocolate. Soon enough, Hershey's chocolate plant became the largest chocolate manufacturing plant in the country. With Hershey's success rising from the 1893 world expo, its history helps us believe that Shanghai's World Expo and the active participation of Pennsylvania will provide more opportunities and will also help the world know Pennsylvania.

The great thing about Hershey, Pa is that it has something to offer everybody. The Hershey community is built on a great deal of history. Since the 1900's, preserving the history of Hershey has become away of life for Hershey residents. Hershey history is captivating in several ways. Tourists are given the opportunity to learn about the man that started it all, Milton S. Hershey. By visiting the Hershey museum, tourists can learn about how he developed, not only Hershey chocolate, or Hershey the community, but Hershey the culture. Visitors will also learn about the many contributions made my Milton S. Hershey himself by visiting the Milton Hershey School Founders Hall.

The Hershey brand is an incredible ambassador for Pennsylvania and PA tourism. Its fascinating history and desirable location help to make the Hershey brand well known throughout the world. Hershey has a legacy that will live on forever and with a store representing the legacy in Shanghai, Chinese citizens familiarizing themselves with Hershey history and actually experiencing Hershey, Pa for themselves will only result in a story never forgotten. Along with visiting Hershey, visitors can see all the many other great things Pennsylvania has to offer.

Pennsylvania, the birthplace of America, is the four-season destination of the northeastern US offering both winter and summer activities. Its two largest cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, are home to fine historical, cultural, and musical institutions.

Philadelphia is an ideal place to begin your visit to Pennsylvania, especially due to its proximity to NYC (only 1 hour by train and 1? by car). In 2011, US Airways will commence direct flights between Beijing and Philadelphia. This cosmopolitan city with small-town charm offers everything from national historic sites, to classical art museums, to modern business districts.

After visiting Philadelphia, explore rustic life in Lancaster's Amish Country and enjoy shopping at famous name-brand outlets, tour the Hershey chocolate factory, relive the Civil War at Gettysburg, drive through the picturesque Allegheny mountains, see elk in the PA Wilds, and marvel at Pittsburgh's rapid transformation into a leader in the life science and technology industries.

Pennsylvania warmly welcomes tourists from China. Pennsylvania and China are closely linked historically, economically and culturally. Ms. Pearl S. Buck, the well-known American writer, is from Pennsylvania and tourists can visit her former residence and foundation. Currently, more than 75,000 Pennsylvania residents can speak Chinese and the third-largest Chinatown is located in Philadelphia. In 2011, U.S. Airways will open the direct flight between Beijing and Philadelphia, which will make the travel convenient for Chinese tourists. In addition, the King of Prussia Mall is the largest U.S. shopping mall (measured by retail space), with more than 400 shops. Together with nearby world-famous outlets in Philadelphia, Chinese tourists can be guaranteed a fruitful trip.

Contact Information:

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development:
Amy Zecha, International Marketing Manger
Department of Community & Economic Development
(717)720-7339
Commonwealth Keystone Building
400 North Street, 4th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225
www.newPA.com|www.visitPA.com
http://www.philadelphiausa.travel/

Pennsylvania's Official Representative Office in Shanghai:
The Pennsylvania Center
Suite A403, Tomorrow Square, 399 West Nanjing Road, 200003, Shanghai
Contact: Frank SUN 8621 2308 1128, franksun@pausa.org.cn, www.pausa.org.cn